"Conceit, arrogance, and egotism are the essentials of Patriotism. Let me illustrate. Patriotism assumes that our globe is divided into little specks, each one surrounded by an iron gate. Those who have had the fortune of being born on some particular speck, consider themselves better, nobler, grander, more intelligent than the living beings inhabiting any other speck. It is, therefore, the duty of everyone living on the chosen spot to fight, kill, and die in the attempt to impose his superiority upon all the others."
—Emma Goldman, "Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty"
Inspired by anarchist Emma Goldman's 1908 speech "Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty," a denouncement of patriotism as propaganda, New York City-based visual artist Tricia McLaughlin's "Fun and War Games" examines the political structure of war as a manipulation of the masses for political and monetary gain. McLaughlin's subjects are anthropomorphized apes, serving as human surrogates. They are all based on the same generic ape figure, garbed in differing uniforms and brandishing rifles and knives. While McLaughlin's "Fun and War Games" plainly dissects the social structures around us, it also captures the emotion in the individual. The apes' expressions could be those of any soldier, either cowering in the shadow of war or grimacing with bloodlust. The exhibition features 3D design, animation, and painting. "Fun and War Games" is on view at The Westchester Gallery of the Peekskill Extension Center of Westchester Community College through May 4. An opening reception will be held on March 5, from 5:30-7:30pm. (914) 606-7300.
